Kate Oakes to Richard Yates

   Jacksonville Oct 26th

Gov Yates

            Since mailing the letter to you I wrote a few days since, I have been thinking of it pondering what you would think of some thing in it. If I write to explain you will wonder why I asked you not to let any one know I asked to borrow money.  The reason was simply this: I did not like to ask my Father for money, for his family

is so large that he requires all he makes, besides he is an old man and I cannot give him one moments trouble. Besides I do not want him to know all we have suffered at the hands of the rebels and I thought that you had always been so good & kind you would be my friend in this time of trouble. The rebels destroyed a great many bales of cotton of my

husband and what we have suffered no one knows for the Past few months simply because we were suspected of Union sympathy. I have two little children I have seen many dark hours in (illegible) but the horrors of Sin did nearly drive me crazy. The men fired into & persecuted in many ways & in every way. What I want is this for you to send me money (150 dollars)

& let no one know. (Illegible) my honor you will be paid Soon. Your many Little kindnesses to me old friend - make me take the liberty - Will you forgive me. You see it would worry my Father to know how we had suffered & how much I need that amount of money & I want you My good kind friend to help me. You may assist me & please whether

you help me or not don't let any one know I asked for money for I don't want to trouble my Father - Its 7 years since I married. I went to Dixie but I have a pleasant recollection of your goodness to me. Please lend me $150. & trust my word of honor in three months it will be returned for it will I looked for an answer to my letter

today for I believe you will accommodate me - but none came. I wish I could tell you how badly we suffered & with what difficulty we escaped. Let no one know I wrote. Hoping you will forgive my intrusion I

                                     remain Your (illegible)

                                      Kate A. Oakes

Direct to Prof C. H. Oakes

              Jacksonville

 You have not forgotten me & the books you sent me when you were in Congress.  Kate Jones. Dr Jones 2nd daughter. I remember you well.

                Private     Private

Oakes Mrs Kate

Jacksonville Illinois

           Oct 24 1863

Is a daughter of Dr Jones married some years ago moved to Huntsville Ala has just escaped to this state is in a destitute condition. Wishes the Governor to loan her $150-

File

Executive Office Nov 6 1863

NOTE: Several written pages shown out of order and corrected.